. >> reporter: two years ago california adopted a seismic retrofit code. a detailed set of instructions on how to properly retrofit a home. the problem, contractors are not actual he required to follow them. and, they only apply to one spectacular -- specific type of home. a small wood frame structure, with a crawlspace, without a tile roof and a series of other specific requirements. since there are no codes many are using their best guess. >> it is taking so long that we don't still have a good set is of guidelines that really applies to a lot of the housing stock that we have in the bay area. >> reporter: the california earthquake authority admits that the process to develop an adquit retrofit code has been slow going. >> mostly because it has opinion done on a voluntary basis. >> reporter: many study the problem no one agency, federal, state, local has been tapped to come up with guidelines. >> a lot of priorities. single family priorities are high on the list. >> l the cea is finally moving -- well, the cea is finally moving forward with the guideline